23 December 2023 , 07:21
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Pete Wicks says he's couldn't be happier spending Christmas Day with just his dogs and wall-to-wall Only Fools And Horses.
The TOWIE star, who has spent a chunk of December Down Under waiting for best mate Sam Thompson to leave the I'm A Celebrity jungle, stressed he's no Scrooge but wouldn't have it any other way. He says he always spends a few hours with his mum in the morning before returning to his sofa for a proper festive treat.
The reality favourite deserves some down time. While he was in Australia, Pete came under attack from bugs, even through he wasn’t on the ITV show or forced to endure any Bush Tucker Trials. He was instead eaten alive while he was relaxing in a nearby hotel as he became the buffet of choice for the local mosquito population - leaving his eyes became swollen and the hunk looking painful and unsightly.
Pete has some rather different Christmas plans (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Pete hasn't got a problem with Christmas Day itself but is not a fan of the whole festive period. He told The Mirror: "I'm so glad I've been away and missed most of the build up to Christmas. The day itself is fine, but the build up before and the month after is awful. Too much before, and after it you just feel a little blue. For me, I've missed all the build up which is great - but then there's the panic buying of presents.
"I normally spend Christmas on my own, with the dogs. I find it a heavy, heavy day. I always go and see my mum in the morning and then I generally just sit with the dogs and watch Only Fools And Horses. I've got my reasons! That is pretty much my Christmas, job done. You can't beat the classics, I love the Royle Family too. A bit of Christmas TV with the dogs, living the dream."
Dog who 'always melts hearts' with his smile hopes to find a loving family
Pete has been by Sam's side and joined Zara McDermott for their reunion but won't be gate-crashing their Christmas. The two boys - who became friends after starring on Celebs Go Dating together in 2019 - host a podcast together titled Staying Relevant. It seems like they'll be spending even more time together next year.
He won't be gate-crashing Zara and Sam's festive plans! (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)It has previously been announced that Pete and Sam would take their podcast on the road for a UK tour in 2024 - with dates set in major cities including Glasgow, Manchester and London. And now thanks to the boost in popularity Sam has received after appearing on I’m A Celeb, the tour has reportedly sold out.
Pete is partnering with Argos this festive season as part of their ‘ Christmas Hints’ campaign. He will be on hand to help Brits get what they really want on December 25, offering not-so-subtle ‘Hints’ to loved ones via video, that loved ones have applied for. Telling us all about the idea, he says: "I'm not a massive fan on Christmas.
"The main reason is nobody ever gets the presents right! Most people get presents they don't want - I read a stat saying 73 per cent of people get an unfortunate gift, dead plans, out of date chocolate - stuff like that. i'm guest of that too! So this year I'm working with Argos and I am going to be doing some not-so-subtle hints for people. People can get my to not-so-subtly hint to their loved ones what they want for Christmas. There's nothing worse than being disappointed on Christmas day!"
Pete has teamed up with Argos to launch a very special Christmas Gift Hint messaging service to ensure gift-givers are hitting the mark this festive season. Head here to apply